Moto3 Spain Race: José Antonio Rueda leaves nothing to his rivals!

What a Moto3 race in Spain! José Antonio Rueda won after 40 minutes of intense effort, taking 25 very important points for the rest of the championship. While two riders shared the previous four victories, the outcome of the Spanish round didn't suggest the slightest hint of suspense. Indeed, right up until the start, the weekend was dominated by one man: José Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), the only man capable of going down to 1'43 during qualifying, which earned him pole position. While his rival Angel Piqueras (KTM MT Helmets MSi) seemed a little less dangerous than usual, there was another KTM rider to be wary of, Joel Kelso (Levelup MTA). The other "usual suspects" were also to be kept in mind, namely David Munoz (KTM Liqui Moly Intact GP) and Adrian Fernandez (Honda Leopard Racing). But the nature of the Moto3 class still made for an exciting race.

Even if you already know the outcome of this race, come and relive it with us! Before we begin, here is a table that summarizes the known facts.

 

Moto3™ Jerez, Spain	2024	2025
FP1	1'44.590 David Alonso	1'44.299 José Antonio Rueda
Practice	1'43.710 David Alonso	1'43.770 José Antonio Rueda
FP2	1'55.619 David Alonso	1'44.386 Adrian Fernandez
Q1	1'47.823 Angel Piqueras	1'45.086 Luca Lunetta
Q2	1'44.954 David Alonso	1'43.755 José Antonio Rueda
Course	Veijer, Munoz, Ortola (See here)	Rueda, Piqueras, Kelso
All time lap record	1'43.710 David Alonso (2024)	1'43.710 David Alonso (2024)

 

Before we begin, it's worth noting that several drivers were penalized last night for driving too slowly on the line during qualifying. Among them, David Munoz, who is one of the favorites: he has to start from last place. The Spaniard is used to penalties of this kind, and it is starting to weigh on his start to the season.

The lights go out… and here we go!

 

 

Jose Antonio Rueda achieved the feat of not losing a single position in the first lap. Ryusei Yamanaka (KTM MT Helmets MSi) attempts a daring overtaking move in the first corner, and thus slips into the top 5. Behind, David munoz fall with David Almansa (Honda Leopard Racing) ; the rookie Ruched Moodley (KTM Boé Motorsport) may be involved.

Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) follows his teammate for a while WheelMore Angel Piqueras attack without delay. Wheel leads with a slight lead over Piqueras, while the latter stands out from the rest behind him. Several falls to note: that of Cormac Buchanan (KTM Boé Motorsports) and Joel Esteban (CFMoto Aspar Team).

 

 

In the leading group, Joel Kelso attack, because he does not want to leave Wheel escape. The official KTM driver is already three tenths ahead of Piqueras, his closest pursuer.

A small group of three is forming at the front, consisting of Wheel, Piqueras et Kelso, who begins to gently drop Yamanaka. Besides, the Australian attacks Piqueras without waiting, hoping to be able to hunt Wheel.

 

 

A waiting race ensued, contested at very high speed. The positions did not change because the three riders in front were not close together, and did not slow down. The trio was still lapping at 1'44 at the end of the 10th lap, which was incredible. Behind, a crash was reported for Nicholas Carraro (Honda Snipers Team).

 

 

Jose Antonio Rueda sets his best lap in the race, which would have put him in second row in qualifying! Behind, it looks likeAngel Piqueras gets closer to Joel Kelso. Wheel, in the lead, strings together crazy laps.

Piqueras attack Kelso ; namely that the three have relegated Yamanaka, fourth, four seconds! The lead of Wheel grows with each partial, and it now exceeds a second and a half, then two seconds! He is unstoppable.

 

 

And soon, three seconds, and almost four. It may be an illusion aided by the number 99, but the approach of Wheel surprisingly recalls that of Jorge Lorenzo. For its part, Joel Kelso moves back into second place. Further back, a battle rages in the peloton: the two rookies Alvaro Carpe et Guido Pini (KTM Liqui Moly Intact GP) cross swords.

 

 

When crossing the line, Jose Antonio Rueda is 4,5 seconds ahead of the second, Angel Piqueras. Joel Kelso finished third and did not disgrace himself. Much further behind, the top 5 was completed by Adrian fernandez et Ryusei Yamanaka. What a race of Wheel !

 

 

3 Moto2025 Spanish Grand Prix result:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Red Bull KTM Ajo